Have you ever booked a Lufthansa flight and realized later that your name was misspelled? Don’t worry — it happens more often than you think. Whether it’s a minor typo or a complete name change due to legal reasons, Lufthansa provides a well-defined process to help passengers make necessary corrections. Understanding the Lufthansa Ticket Name Change Policy can save you time, money, and stress when preparing for your trip.
In this simple guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Lufthansa name correction rules, fees, and procedures — explained in a way that’s easy to follow.
Understanding Lufthansa Ticket Name Change Policy
The Lufthansa Ticket Name Change Policy allows passengers to correct spelling mistakes or make changes to their name in specific circumstances. Lufthansa understands that name discrepancies can lead to boarding issues or even denied check-ins, so they provide flexible options to fix them — as long as the request follows their official rules.
According to Lufthansa, the name on your ticket must exactly match the name on your government-issued photo ID or passport. Even a small typo can cause a problem during check-in or immigration verification. Therefore, Lufthansa’s name correction policy exists to ensure that passengers can fly smoothly without administrative hassles.
When Can You Change Name on Lufthansa Ticket?
Lufthansa permits name changes or corrections under certain conditions. However, it’s essential to understand the difference between minor corrections and major name changes.
1. Minor Name Corrections
Minor corrections typically involve fixing small typographical errors or adjusting spelling mistakes. Lufthansa allows:
Correcting up to two or three characters in a name.
Adjusting first or last name order (e.g., swapping them if reversed).
Adding or removing middle names or initials.
Rectifying errors due to marriage or divorce if legal proof is provided.
2. Major Name Changes
Major name changes involve changing the full name or transferring the ticket to another person — which Lufthansa generally does not allow. Airline tickets are non-transferable, so you cannot replace one traveler’s name with another’s. However, if your legal name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, Lufthansa may allow the update after reviewing official documents.
If you are uncertain whether your situation qualifies, you can contact Lufthansa customer service or your booking agent for clarification.
How to Request a Name Correction on Lufthansa Airlines
Lufthansa provides multiple ways to request a name correction or change name on Lufthansa ticket. The process depends on where and how you booked your flight.
Option 1: Online via Lufthansa’s Website
If you booked your flight directly through Lufthansa’s website, you can visit their “Manage Booking” section. Enter your booking reference (PNR) and last name, then look for the option to edit passenger details. Minor spelling corrections may be possible online, but more significant name changes require manual verification by Lufthansa’s support team.
Option 2: Through Customer Support
For complex name corrections, it’s best to contact Lufthansa’s customer service directly. Provide your booking details and explain the type of correction required. You may need to email identification proof or legal documents to validate the request.
Option 3: Through a Travel Agency or Third-Party Website
If your ticket was booked through a travel agency or online travel portal, contact them directly. They will liaise with Lufthansa on your behalf to process the name change. Airlines typically cannot modify third-party bookings without authorization from the original booking agent.
Lufthansa Name Correction Policy: Rules You Should Know
Lufthansa maintains specific guidelines regarding how and when name corrections can be made. Here are the key points to remember:
Name changes are allowed only before the first flight segment. Once you’ve started your journey, Lufthansa won’t process any corrections.
Tickets must be reissued after the name correction is approved. This means your booking may be updated with a new ticket number.
Proof of identity or legal documentation is required for substantial name changes. Examples include a passport, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.
Spelling errors within three characters are usually considered minor corrections. These can often be handled quickly by the airline or travel agent.
Following these rules ensures your request is processed smoothly without extra delays.
Lufthansa Name Change Fee: How Much Does It Cost?
The Lufthansa name change fee varies depending on the type of correction, ticket fare, and where the ticket was purchased. On average:
Minor spelling corrections (like fixing a typo) may be free of charge if done within 24 hours of booking.
For later corrections, a service fee between $50 and $200 might apply, depending on the route and fare class.
Major changes due to legal reasons (marriage/divorce) may also involve a reissue fee or fare difference.
If you booked through a travel agency, they may charge an additional service fee on top of Lufthansa’s charges. To avoid surprises, always confirm the final cost before proceeding with any changes.
Important Tip: Verify Passenger Details Before Booking
One of the best ways to avoid paying Lufthansa name change fees is by double-checking your details before completing your booking. Ensure your first name, middle name, and last name match your passport exactly. Even a missing letter can create issues later. Taking two minutes to review your booking can save you both money and effort down the line.
Can You Change the Name After Check-In?
No — once you have completed online or airport check-in, the Lufthansa Ticket Name Change Policy no longer applies. The ticket becomes locked, and no modifications are permitted. If you discover an error after check-in, you must cancel your ticket (if allowed) and rebook under the correct name. Therefore, it’s crucial to review your itinerary and name details before checking in.
Documents Required for Lufthansa Name Correction
When applying for a name change, Lufthansa may request supporting documents, such as:
A valid passport or government ID showing the correct name.
A marriage certificate (for surname changes after marriage).
A divorce decree or legal order (for name changes after separation).
A court-issued document confirming a legal name change.
Providing accurate documents helps Lufthansa verify your identity quickly and approve your correction without delay.
Contacting Lufthansa for Name Change Assistance
You can reach Lufthansa through multiple channels to resolve name change issues:
Official Website: www.lufthansa.com
Customer Service Hotline: Check the Lufthansa contact section for your country.
Airport Ticket Counters: Visit the nearest Lufthansa office for in-person help.
When contacting support, always keep your booking reference number handy. This will help the representative locate your reservation instantly.
Conclusion: Keep Your Details Error-Free Before You Fly
The Lufthansa Ticket Name Change Policy is designed to help travelers correct small mistakes efficiently. While the airline allows reasonable flexibility for genuine cases, passengers must follow the outlined rules to avoid complications. Always review your name details before confirming a booking and contact Lufthansa promptly if you notice an error.
By understanding Lufthansa’s name correction policy, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing that your documents and tickets match perfectly.